"Your destiny is to be apostles, and so tend within your hearts the sacred fire that the Holy Spirit lights there..."

- St. Eugene de Mazenod -

July – August 2014 Volume 13 No. 4

News & Views Assumption Province

Contents

Page 1 Bp. Jacek Pyl

Page 6 Fr. Andrzej Madej

Page 7 RAMA Pilgrimage

Page11 Summer Internship

Page 13 Bro. Paul Patrick

Page 14 Perpetual Vow

Preparation

Page 16 Walking Pilgrimage

Page 17 Vocation Ministry

Page 18 Fr. Peter Koman

It was a serene, quiet evening with the entire grotto lit

up embellishing the beauty of The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes…

Page 6

Bp. Jacek Pyl was born in Poland on August 17, 1962. From

early youth he displayed a great passion for the Russian language

and also desire to preach the good news in Russia. During his novitiate in Swiety Krzyz, Poland, in order to improve his

Russian in his spare time he rewrote the 500 page book “Quo

Vadis” written by the famous author and Noble Prize winner Henryk Sienkiewicz. In 1989 he was sent to minister in the

Ukraine where he spent the last 25 years. A year ago the Holy

Father Pope Benedict XVI appointed him an auxiliary Bishop of

the Diocese of Odessa-Simferopol.

The diocese is a bit bigger than one third of Poland and has about 3,000 faithful. It is a missionary territory which is slowly

growing and within it, we face many challenges. The diocese is

presently split following the Russian take-over of Crimea. My co-

cathedral is situated in Simferopol in Crimea, where the Russian presence has taken-over while the diocesan bishop is in Odessa –

which is approximately 460 kilometers from Simferopol.

Therefore, my diocesan bishop, Bishop Bronislaw Bernacki, is in Odessa and I am in Simferopol. Under my jurisdiction there are

7 parishes and 13 priests. The entire diocese has 64 priests.

An Oblate Bishop from Crimea

Visiting Canada

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While being in Canada, Bp. Jacek Pyl presided over the Eucharist on August 10th at the Canadian

Martyr’s Shrine in Midland with about 10,000 pilgrims of Polish decent from all over Ontario. During the homily he shared his missionary experience in the Ukraine and Crimea. He also visited several Oblate

parishes in Ontario and met with many dignitaries including the Nuncio to Canada Luigi Bonazzi, the

Archbishop of Toronto Cardinal Collins, the Ambassador of Religious Freedom in the Canadian Parliament Andrew Bennett (a new office established about two years ago by the Canadian government),

Archbishop of Ottawa Terrance Prendergast, Member of Parliament Wladyslaw Lizon, Oblate

communities and supporters of Oblate missions. The missionary experience of Bp. Jacek Pyl immensely

enriched not only parishioners but also Oblates, deepening our knowledge about the present situation in the Ukraine and Crimea.

Visiting Toronto

Niagara Falls

Ripleys Aquarium of Canada

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Bp. Jacek Pyl celebrating mass on September 15th for Assumption Province at the Provincial House in Toronto

Bp. Jacek Pyl getting a tour of the Canadian Parliament by MP Wladyslaw Lizon

Meeting with Archbishop of Ottawa Terrance Prendergast

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Meeting with the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada,

Most Rev. Luigi Bonazzi

Celebrating mass at the Cathedral in

Quebec City

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Bp. Jacek Pyl visiting the Oblate community in Deschatelests Residence

in Ottawa

St. Hyacinth Parish St. Anne de Bo Sacred Heart Chapel in Notre Dame Basilica

A view of Montreal

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Fr. Andrzej Madej OMI

Fr. Andrzej Madej OMI travelled to Canada for two months to help out with summer replacements in

Edmonton. He also had the opportunity to visit with many of our Oblate Communities in Toronto and Catholic Family Radio. Below are a few pictures from his stay in Canada!

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RAMA Pilgrimage Draws More Than 1,000 Pilgrims

The 73rd Annual Pilgrimage at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine on August 14 & 15 drew more than 1000 pilgrims from many different areas in the Dioceses of Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The pilgrimage celebrates "The Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary" on August 15, but the Celebration begins with the Vigil of the Assumption on August 14.

August 14 The event began with confessions in the churchyard while The Yorkton Filipino Choir sang hymns of praise to Mary at the grotto. Twelve priests con-celebrated with His Grace, Archbishop Daniel Bohan of Regina in The Celebration of the Eucharist . Fr. Marcin Mironiuk OMI, pastor of St. Anthony's welcomed everyone and introduced all the priests, as well as his Grace Archbishop Daniel and seminarian, Chinh Vu of Regina. St.

Anthony's Choir with their musical director, Trina Pasloski of Cudworth provided the music. Archbishop Daniel Bohan's homily focused on the meaning of a pilgrimage, making a journey of faith. He quoted Pope Francis who stated" Reflect on Mary, the Pilgrim": He continued saying that Mary followed Jesus, her Son, on her journey of faith. He also referred to Pope John Paul II who referred the Church journeying through time along the path already trodden by Mary. His homily emphasized that OUR lives are a journey through the years as we eventually get to our heavenly home. We must ask Mary "to pray for us now and at the hour of our death". He concluded by

saying that Jesus entrusted his disciples and us to Mary. He made reference to Mary as "the untier of knots". The knots being our sinfulness and difficulties, as it was with Eve's disobedience to God; we should ask Mary to help us untie our knots and trust that she will, simply because she loves us very much.

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Honour Guard Knights of Columbus were: Merv Polzen (Kamsack), Ed Lipinski(Fosston), Methodius Lozinski (Norquay) Altar Servers: Lorne Sliva (St. Anthony's), Nikolas Lingl (St. Patrick's- Sturgis), Marshal and Merlin Kovacs (St. Anne's- Buchanan), Dawson Zuravloff, Kenth & Kevin Gimena (St. Anthony's - Rama) Readers: Lillian Smith HOMI (St. Patrick's - Sturgis) and Juliette Franke( St. Anthony's - Rama)

The Living Rosary followed with participants from the crowd of varying ages praying in their native language the "Hail Mary" with Fr. Marcin and Lorne Sliva guiding them along the decades and the choir intervening at each decade. Fr. Marcin further added that this has been " The International Rosary" for the rosary was prayed in many different languages.

The Candlelight Procession was a highlight for many as the crowd all lit their candles and walked up the hill in procession stopping at four stations with the last station being an acknowledgement to all the pioneers who built the grotto under the guidance of Fr, Anthony Sylla OMI 73 years ago when the first pilgrimage was made. Candles were placed in different locations adding to the beauty of the grotto as well as in the candle holders that surround the fountain whereby stands the Blessed Virgin Mary, Lady of Grace.

The Benediction and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church concluded the events for the night. Many enjoyed the homemade pies and hot dogs that were served in the Parish Hall. It was a serene, quiet evening with the entire grotto lit up embellishing the beauty of The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and the soft melodic music of a flute that was played by Carol Anne Landgraf of Regina as she walked around the Stations of the Cross with her family.

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August 15: Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary

The morning prayers in Polish, Godzinki, started the day at 8:30 am in the church with Fr. Tomasz Krzesik

OMI (Winnipeg) and Fr. Marcin Mironiuk OMI(Pastor of St. Anthony's.) The Polish Mass was celebrated immediately after the prayers.

The Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite was celebrated in Ukrainian and English with Fr. Rac (Canora) main celebrant, Fr. Jeffrey Stephaniuk(Wynyard) and Fr. Methodius Kushko (Yorkton) as con-celebrants. The

Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir provided the singing. In his homily, Fr. Rac encouraged all to be ambassadors and to take Jesus with us. He further stated that we should be faithful to the end, just as an athlete who must cross the finish line. We, too, must cross the finish line in order to get to heaven. He emphasized that it is important to stick to our destination every day.

Following The Stations of the Cross and the Anointing Of the Sick and Aged, the Final Mass was celebrated with His Grace, Archbishop Daniel Bohan of Regina. Homilist, Fr. Tomasz Krzesik OMI from Winnipeg , gave the homily giving the history of Mary, explaining, in detail, how her tomb was found with no body, only roses for she was taken up to heaven, body and soul. Finally, he encouraged all to commit themselves to her tender care for She will guide us to our final, peaceful destination. " She is our guiding star and we should always ask for her guidance." His Grace then blessed all the religious articles which were made available for purchase by Burns-Hanley of Regina.

Many thanks were given after the Final Blessing by commentator, Mary Kowalyshyn.Leonard and Vivian Pasloski added to the final acknowledgements with special thanks to His Grace Daniel Bohan presenting him with a bouquet of flowers and Fr. Tomasz Krzesik OMI of Winnipeg. Then all followed in procession for the Blessing of the mural on the parish hall depicting "The Life of Mary" beginning with Her Immaculate Conception and ending with Her Coronation. A historical moment was marked for St. Anthony's as His Grace, Archbishop Daniel Bohan

blessed the entire length of the parish hall on which were placed images depicting "The Life of Mary"! It was with the inspiration and generosity of Cas and Marie Broda and Family who requested that this mural be made to further emphasize that this IS a Marian Shrine where many graces and blessings are given to those who ask for them. The mural is done with ultraviolet photography with the guidance of John Sidloski of Weyburn, who has made more than 1000 billboards across Canada.

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Sunday, August 17 - 2nd Annual Mass for the Unborn took place at St. Anthony's Church, due to the threat of rain. Brother Knight, Eddie Yasinski, led the rosary prior to Mass. A procession led to the statue of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, whereby many flowers were placed in memory of the unborn. St. Gianna Beretta Molla is the patron Saint of Mothers, Physicians and Unborn Children. Fr. Marcin Mironiuk OMI lead in a prayer to St. Gianna . A luncheon and program followed in the Parish Hall. Knights of Columbus from many areas were introduced and acknowledged. Merv Polzen, Chairman of Yorkton-Merlville Deanery, brought greetings on behalf

of the Archdiocese of Regina. Marcy Milette, past president of Saskatchewan Pro-Life, shared some astounding statistics and challenged the audience with a quizz. "Do You Know The Facts of Life?" Some of the facts were: 1. Unborn babies have NO LEGAL status in this country and can be aborted up to the ninth month. 2. The Environics National Polls show that over 60% of Canadians WANT to see an end to the free for all holocaust against abortion. 3. Few Canadians know that we terminate over 300 babies in this country every day!!! 4. Canada stands alone with China and North Korea as the only countries lacking an abortion law. 5.Saskatchewan abortion statistics show one out of every four babies are killed through abortion. She stressed that the important thing for us is to be able to present a big list of supporters to the Legislative table encouraging everyone to keep in touch with what is happening, to send signatures to your MLA to show that the majority want protection for the unborn. She outlined simply "One of the missions of the Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association is to equip its members with the knowledge needed to better spread this message: the sanctity of

life and OUR duty to protect it, " With that she encouraged everyone to become a member of Pro-Life. But it wasn't until guest speaker, Anita Sonntag, stood at the podium and spoke about abortion and its impact on men, women and family that the crowd fell completely silent! She compared abortion to an animal caught in a trap who gnaws off its own leg to get free." She further stated" Abortion is a traumatic experience with the same kind of after effects that soldiers in combat deal with causing a breakdown of function in the physiological, spiritual and

physical areas." She then presented her own testimony calling it " FROM PRISON TO FREEDOM" stating how she was imprisoned with her own abortion in her younger years, how it affected her and how she finally gained her freedom in her healing journey with the help and support of Rachel's Vineyard ( a post-abortion healing program presented in the form of a weekend retreat).Presently, she is not only a member of Rachel's Vineyard, but also the Regional Co-Ordinator for Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia in the Silent No More Campaign. She makes her home in Saskatoon. She has spoken publicly in many places throughout Canada and we were very

fortunate and honored to have her speak in Rama. The audience immediately responded with a standing ovation as she delivered a very powerful presentation. Organizer of the event, Lorne Sliva, thanked all the Knights of Columbus and everyone present with special thanks to Anita Sonntag and Marcy Milette. He had everyone join in "The Lord's Prayer " and "Hail Mary" for his closing remarks.

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Summer Internship with the Service Jeunes (Youth Service) in

Lourdes, France

Fr. Wojciech Kowalewski, OMI is responsible for youth ministry at the most popular Marian shrine in Europe.

Together with Fr. Roberto Villa, OMI, two lay assistants and groups of volunteers that come to work at the shrine

for two-week sessions Fr. Wojciech serves the youth that come to Lourdes. Our Lady of Lourdes shrine consists of

the famous grotto where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette, as well as several Chapels and Basilicas built to

accommodate the millions of faithful who make a pilgrimage to this holy site. The myriads of faithful that come to

Lourdes each in their own way seeking to experience healing, for themselves, for their family and loved ones. The

shrine is home to 67 confirmed miraculous and medically inexplicable healings. However, the miraculous waters of

the Lourdes grotto are a source of an authentic encounter with the divine for many, and like any encounter with

God are transformative in ways the sciences cannot begin to measure.

The daily routine at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes includes daily pilgrimages along the path of the life of St.

Bernadette, a young illiterate girl on the verge of society. The history and choice of service over prestige of St.

Bernadette gives our work at the Lourdes shrine a particularly Oblate prism. Every day, the miraculous pools of

Lourdes are open to the public to come experience the transformative power of immersion, reminding each

Christian of their birth into the life of God through their own baptism. The sacrament of reconciliation is available

in a variety of languages in a special chapel set up for an encounter with God’s inexhaustible mercy. At the request

of Mary herself, made to Bernadette, a daily procession with the Eucharist makes its way through the shrine. At the

hour of mercy pilgrims gather at the grotto to plead our Lady to intercede for the needs of their families and loved

ones around the world. Perhaps most famous is the evening candle light rosary procession that gathers the

enflamed hearts of the faithful symbolized by the candles they process with as the given mysteries for that day are

being recited in a multitude of languages. Each day at Lourdes would not be complete without myriads of Masses

offered in every language imaginable at all hours of day and night. Additionally, many various groups organize

particular prayer services, vigils and Eucharistic adorations; opportunities for pilgrims to take a pause from their

hectic everyday lives and reflect on how God is knocking on the doors of their hearts, inviting them into personal

relationship.

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The Service Jeunes headed by Fr. Wojciech is an integral arm of the life of the Lourdes shrine. In our work with the

Youth who come to Lourdes among the first things offered is a two-hour pilgrimage along the path of the life of St.

Bernadette. This is a powerful experience for many young people. As they realize that Our Lady chose to appear to

this young, ignorant, and poor girl, the fact that God may desire to have a relationship with them begins to become

real in their hearts. The level of maturity, hope and faith displayed by the predominantly French youth the Service

Jeunes ministers to is impressive by any standards. In addition to providing tours along the life of St. Bernadette,

through the Shrine and Grotto, the Service Jeunes provides catechesis of the signs and messages at Lourdes, as well

as organizes two prayer events at the Grotto. The two international Masses at the Pope St. Pius X Basilica, named

in honor of his effort to promote frequent participation at the table of our Lord by all of the Christian faithful, are in

part animated by the Service Jeunes.

Being here for six weeks, it was my privilege and pleasure to participate in each of these activities on many

occasions. Apart from the daily encounters with youth from around the world by giving tours of the life of St.

Bernadette and the Shrine, the most profound experience I had while working here at Lourdes, was the assisting at

the miraculous pools at Lourdes, which always ended with an opportunity to be plunged into the frigid miraculous

waters of Lourdes. One particular moment stands out for me: when two older gentlemen found out that they were

just assisted by three oblates who were volunteering at the same pool, they offered us their episcopal blessings in

thanksgiving for our quiet, behind the scenes, yet important work.

Bro. Dawid Karchut, OMI

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Bro. Paul Patrick OMI in Poland and Kiev

Last month I arrived in Poland and

immediately began Polish language studies at

the KUL University in Lublin. I was fortunate

enough to be able to take the very intensive

program, which consisted of grammar classes,

individual tutoring, and conversation

lessons. Each day began with grammar from 9

to 12:30, a pause for lunch, then individual

tutoring beginning at 14:00 followed by

conversation classes. The day finished at 18:30

with conversation classes.

I was placed in the advanced level, so it was a

quite heavy workload, but definitely worth the

long days and pages of homework! During this

time, I resided at the Oblate house in Lublin.

A special thanks to Fr. Andrzej Jastrzębski

OMI, superior in Lublin, as well as the Polish

Province for facilitating my stay in Poland.

Weekdays were quite full, but weekends were

free from classes, with the opportunity to

partake in university-organized trips to famous

Polish cities and landmarks, such as

Warszawa, Krakow, and Kazimierz

Dolny. During some of these visits, I was also

able to make acquaintances with some of

the Oblates working in these areas.

Immediately after finishing my language studies, I travelled to Kiev, Ukraine by car with Br. Sebastian, a

member of the Oblate community of St. Nicholas Parish here in Kiev. We arrived without incident, and

everything is very calm and tranquil in this beautiful, historic city. I am currently in the process of

getting quickly acclimatized to the new community, city, and culture, while improving my Ukrainian and

Russian by helping out in the parish in Kiev.

Thank you for your prayers, I assure you of mine!

Paul Patrick OMI

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Perpetual Vow Preparation Session in Aix-en-Provence

This year’s session hosted 22 Scholastics and 5 formators representing 5 continents and many cultures and

language groups. Of the 22 scholastics, about half were Polish and the other half from South Africa, Zambia,

Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, Italy, Paraguay, Turkmenistan, China, and Canada. The international

dimension of our group, with its many blessings and challenges authentically made real the very international

dimension of our congregation. With all of our cultural differences intact, it was evident we were all there as sons

of Eugene to draw from the source of the life of our Oblate charism. The absence of Fr. Frank Santucci along with

his style and level of expertise in the life of our congregation did not go without notice, as the new community in

Aix is still growing in their recently established mission as the animation center of the life and mission of our

congregation.

The daily conferences brought many of us back to our novitiates where we learned about the life of the

founder and the first missionaries for the first time. However, this time it was different, we were inside the walls of

the plot where many of our first stories were born. Our imaginations were lit on fire by the afternoon rendezvous

along the paths of St. Eugene and his first companions. Simple walks along the Cours Mirabeau on an evening stroll

and taking a moment to pray in the founder’s room at the end of the day made the experience extraordinary. On

one afternoon each of us was given a copy of the letter St. Eugene wrote to Fr. Tampier asking him to help him

form the Missionaries of Provence, and invited to write our own response to the founder in St. Eugene’s room.

Sitting across from his desk, in front of his relic, in the house where it all began transformed this simple exercise

into something far more profound. A tour to the first missions of the missionaries of Provence in churches dating

back to the 11th century not only made us come face to face with the vigor and enthusiasm of the first Oblates, but

put the work of Oblate missionaries in the life of the church into perspective.

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Opportunities to share about our individual experiences of who the pioneers of our congregations are for us

along with how the Oblate charism is lived out in various parts of the world each day allowed us to better see the

work of our congregation on a global scale. Sharing our differences, each of us came with a greater understanding

and appreciation of how the Oblate charism unites us as one family. Our sharing was not limited to conversation.

Each unit in the congregation had an opportunity to present the history and work of the various units represented

in the group. Additionally, each liturgy became a real life canvas where different facets of the various cultural and

linguistic groups represented were melded into the sacred Eucharistic celebration that makes us all one body in

Christ.

As Jesus clearly demonstrates in setting up the last supper as the memorial feast to be celebrated in his

memory, nothing quite brings people together quite like a feast. Respecting ancient traditions, we too were given

opportunities to share the richness of our cultural traditions by cooking authentic specialties for one another. The

large Polish contingent made pierogi, krokiety, barszcz, żurek and sernik (all made from scratch), while some other

scholastics made a traditional Italian feast with antipasti, pasta, pizza and dessert. Our very last gaudium also

included traditional songs and dances from the various cultures and traditions present.

One of the most profound experiences for me, and many others, was during our pilgrimage to Marseilles where we

celebrated the Eucharist at the tomb of the founder in the cathedral St. Eugene dreamt up but never saw completed.

Our desire for perpetual Oblation came to a pinnacle the moment we all gathered together to break open the word

and share in the Eucharist at the tomb of St. Eugene. Here at the resting place of the founder, new enthusiastic sons

of Eugene come to plead for their Oblate father’s intercession as they embark on a journey to continue the work he

began two hundred years ago. Standing at the foot of the statue of Notre-Dame de la Garde, just a couple of days

before our departure from France later that day, each of us became acutely aware that like the first Oblate

missionaries this might also be the last time we see our Oblate roots. Our singing of the Salve Regina that evening

took on a whole new level of significance for me, as I’m sure it did for many of my confreres.

Bro. Dawid Karchut, OMI

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Walking Pilgrimage to Midland

August has for many years been the month of pilgrimage. In

all of Poland, thousands of people pilgrimage to Our Lady of

Czestochowa. The tradition of pilgrimaging, which has always

existed in Christianity, is also nurtured here among

immigrants. And so we too departed for the 32 Walking

Pilgrimage from Toronto to Midland in August. For many

people this is a time of spiritual rest, God’s blessings, asking

for certain graces, and also a time of facing one’s weaknesses,

fears and silencing ourselves to listen to God. Pilgrimages are

also a time when we once again learn the joy of serving others,

because no saint is a sad saint!

For the first time this year, a children’s program was

introduced so that the youngest pilgrims could also participate

and grow spiritually on their own level. The effects of this

children’s program could be seen every evening.

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Vocation Ministry

The Summer is over. School started, parish groups began again their meetings and with all else happening the

young people began again their growth increasing in wisdom and in years (cf. Lk 2:52). As that growth happens we

as shepherds of souls are there to guide, support, and challenge them to discern, choose and live their vocations on

earth for the glory of God and the salvation of the people.

After two years of vocation ministry, preaching, active presence in the parishes, cooperating with the pastors and

associates leading their day to day ministry in animating young men to the priesthood (naturally also young

women to religious life), there has come a time for change.

From September 1, 2014 we diversified the vocation ministry to encompass the East being ministered to by Frs.

Wojciech Kurzydło, OMI and Marcin Serwin, OMI, and for the West: Fr. Paweł Nyrek, OMI and myself, Fr.

Mieczysław Burdzy, OMI.

Since the last update where we had a pilgrimage of young adults to the canonization of JP II and John XXIII, my

vocation ministry included St. Stanislaw's Kostka Parish ministry in the beginning of May, then Provincial

Council, followed by ministry at St. Maximilian Kolbe. Then came help with Acts Retreat at our Retreat Centre,

celebrations in Brampton, 4th degree of Knights of Columbus, Nacorrc meeting in Saskatoon, and that’s only May.

June was filled with preparation meetings before Scouts Summer Camp, the Oblate annual retreat, preparations for

WYD, securing hotels, preparing programs for parishes to start with organizing the upcoming event in Poland and

more.

In July I started by visiting the parish in Wilno, then a week of ministry with Scouts at Kaszuby camp, a couple of

days with Rduch guys preparing projects for sound systems in our parishes, and the month ended with two weeks

of replacement ministry at Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonton.

August included some holidays and helping with celebrations in Midland following which I began packing up and

moving west. After a weekend of replacement in Strugis, I began my ministry at St. Henry's Parish in Melville.

Through all my time of vocation ministry, I have prayed the rosary daily for vocations and for/with the St. Eugene

Vocation Family which consists of some 350 families. I also celebrated regular weekly Mass in those

intentions. Several young people showed interest in discernment, but I guess the seed of discernment is still growing

and I hope that it will bring fruit in new vocations to our Congregation.

Triennium preparation for the Jubilee of our Congregation is an excellent opportunity to promote our Oblate

charism and bring new vocations to our religious order so let us pray and do all we can to utilize this opportunity.

May Mary Immaculate, our patroness, intercede for us Oblates, for our associates and friends, and for the new

vocations to our ranks. Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate.

Fr. Mieczyslaw Burdzy OMI

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Fr. Peter Koman, who has been working in Madagascar for the last 5 years, was invited to our Province to conduct a mission coop program. He shared his missionary experience in Oblate parishes in the Toronto District. He said that, “one of the most moving experiences in my missionary journey

was this time when I came to Canada and met so many wonderful people who enriched me with the gift of faith, generosity and friendship. May the Good Lord reward those people with abundant blessings.” We would like to thank Fr. Peter for his dedication and missionary zeal and for inspiring our Oblate and parish communities with missionary spirit.

As he is leaving Canada on September 5, 2014, we would like to wish him many God’s graces in his missionary work in Madagascar. Having missionaries from Madagascar among our Oblate communities gives us an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the Church that has been established for centuries and the communities that came to existence just a few decades ago.

Fr. Peter would like to also express his gratitude to all Oblates, lay collaborators and people of good will who pray for the missions and support missionary work with their spiritual sacrifices and monetary

donations.

A picture worth more than 1000 words…

Among many beautiful plants and flowers in the Niagara

Falls Botanical Gardens you can also find a flower called

“Devil’s Tongue”. When it blossoms it looks beautiful, but when it dies it turns ugly.

Fr. Peter Koman OMI from Madagascar